It is also possible that a policy will be established that would allow the use of ecolabels in conjunction with the marketing of hard surface antimicrobial products in cooperation with the EPA''s Design for the Environment (DfE) program, the release stated.

According to the release, this represents a significant departure from the EPA''s policy that prohibits green claims to be made in conjunction with the promotion of any antimicrobial pesticides.

Stephen Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, said: "I am very pleased to see this development from EPA that will make it easier for green consumers and manufacturers to clearly identify ‘greener’ disinfectants which in turn will help eliminate confusion in the marketplace and accelerate green cleaning in critical segments such as health care, schools and others with vulnerable populations."

In the meantime, the EPA and DfE will continue to conduct the internal pilot, which is designed to identify the parameters under which the DfE ecolabel could be bestowed upon certain disinfectants and sanitizers, the release added.